Further, Nancy Silverton of Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles, is one of six finalists for the nation’s Outstanding Chef, presented by All-Clad Metalcrafters. Silverton is the founder of La Brea Bakery. She opened La Brea Bakery in 1989 and a year later was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundation. In November 2006, Silverton opened Pizzeria Mozza, which is one half of a two-part restaurant with partners Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich.

Nominees for Outstanding Chef must be a working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Candidates must have been working as chefs for at least the past five years.

Nominees for Outstanding Pastry Chef must be a chef or baker who prepares desserts, pastries, or breads and who serves as a standard-bearer for excellence. Candidates must have been pastry chefs or bakers for at least the past 5 years.

The 2013 finalists for for Outstanding Pastry Chef are Dominique Ansel, Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City; Melissa Chou, Aziza, San Francisco; Ken Forkish, Ken’s Artisan Bakery, Portland, OR; Hedy Goldsmith, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami; and Brooks Headley, Del Posto, New York City.